2011 toyota sienna Reviews and News

Reports of the minivan's death have been greatly exaggerated. Even in a dreadful 2009, the segment managed more than 400,000 sales. That's way down from its heyday but still more than double the volume of, say, the hotly contested luxury compact crossover segment.

That’s why Toyota, although it has led the charge into crossover vehicles, saw no reason to change the formula of the new Sienna for 2011.

“The Sienna is developed for people who see the minivan as the perfect vehicle,” Toyota vice president Bob Carter said at a recent press conference in Southern California.

You’d be forgiven for not instantly noticing the third-generation Sienna’s all-new, CALTY-designed sheetmetal. Unlike most minivan relaunches of late, there’s been no attempt to excise or hide the van’s main attributes: dual sliding doors, a low ride height, and a sloping, easy-to-see-over hood are all present and accounted for.

Under the skin, the biggest addition is the segment’s only four-cylinder engine. The 187-hp, 2.7-liter, which also powers the Venza, nets 26 mpg on the highway, a new best among minivans. Customers can still opt for a 3.5-liter V-6, and both engines are now paired to six-speed automatics. Otherwise, the Sienna is mostly unchanged mechanically, riding on the same 119.3-inch wheelbase and retaining strut-type front and torsion-beam rear suspensions. All-wheel drive is once again an option with the V-6, and it now actively transmits torque to the rear wheels as needed.

Interior advancements -- traditionally the highlight of any minivan redesign -- are mostly evolutionary. The available rear-seat entertainment system can now play two DVDs at once, meaning less fighting over who watches what. Second-row seats fold and slide all the way forward but still don’t fold down into the floor. Removing and carrying them is not hard -- if you can find a place to stow them outside the vehicle, or course. Cargo volume behind the third- and second-row seats is actually down from last year’s van, although total volume is up by about a foot. For drivers, a backup camera is now standard on all but base four-cylinder models. There’s also a designated compartment between the front seats for purses and man bags, so they won’t slide around during aggressive driving.

And, believe it or not, there are situations where you might want to drive the new Sienna aggressively. In an apparent attempt to appeal to younger buyers, Toyota is offering a distinctly sporty, V6-only SE model. It includes firmer dampers, springs, and antiroll bars along with nineteen-inch wheels (seventeen-inch aluminum wheels are standard). Sienna chief engineer Kazuo Mori, a go-kart racer on his own time, adds that he personally took charge of retuning the SE’s electric power steering for better feel and precision. Topping it all off are sporty fender skirts and front and rear fascias that make the van look a bit like a plus-size Mazda 5.

Charging up the Ortega highway, with sharp dropoffs to one side and motorcycles buzzing by on the other, the SE demonstrates remarkably good body control. Some minivan buyers might not appreciate the slight ride penalty, as the stiffer dampening exposes the torsion-beam rear axle’s difficulty articulating over imperfect surfaces. The SE-specific power assist however, is perfect for this application, and it makes us wonder why other Siennas are still saddled with completely lifeless, numb steering.

“The Toyota way,” offers Mori with a wry smile, explaining that some higher-ups still feel that Toyota’s family vehicles should offer pillow-soft rides and finger-light steering.

This oversight aside, all Siennas are pleasant and easy to drive. The new six-speed automatics shift smartly and allow even the 187-hp four-cylinder to keep up with stop-and-go traffic and changing gradients. Ride and road isolation are excellent, and the mostly carryover platform remains commendably stiff, emitting nary a rattle or squeak, even on our preproduction test vehicles.

Overall, the new Sienna doesn’t bring any real innovations, but it remains supremely competent and versatile. That, combined with a promised price drop, should be enough to retain the true believers who wear the soccer-mom badge proudly.

The Toyota Sienna is a minivan that has been through many changes in recent years. The new styling is the first to be noticed, but the biggest changes are on the inside. The Sienna offers many new luxury features and convenience driven accommodations. There is also a new engine for the 2011 Toyota Sienna. The big boom in minivan sales is over, but there is still a demand for these Jacks of all trades in the family vehicle market. The new look of the Sienna hopes to appeal to a younger crowd and with more features than ever on the interior the Sienna offers a much more luxurious ride that is well equipped for longer rides.

There many trim levels available that offer special styling, alternate motors and even more accommodating internal features like climate control and extra power ports. The Sienna from Toyota starts out at $24,469 and can cost much more with the high end trim, but this is very affordable starting point for most consumers. The Sienna also offers a surprising 24 MPG on the highway which make it a viable alternate to a smaller vehicle for long family trips.

Two of Japan’s top brands have both issued new recalls this month. Certain Honda vehicles may have defective airbag inflators, and late model Toyota Sienna minivans may have mis-labeled information regarding vehicle load and wheel and tire selection.

Industry research groups IntelliChoice and AutoPacific have released the results of the 2011 Motorist Choice Awards. Based on survey data from 72,000 vehicle owners, the awards are given to vehicles with high consumer satisfaction ratings and lower-than-average ownerships costs. Awards are split across 15 vehicle categories and are subdivided into “Popular” and “Premium” vehicle choices.

Toyota is recalling the first-generation Prius hybrid to address an issue with its steering gear that could make it harder to turn left. The problem affects 106,000 vehicles worldwide, about half of which are within the U.S.

Honda, Acura, and Nissan saw sales bumps in April while Toyota, Lexus, and Infiniti experienced declining sales. What we're really watching for, however, is what happens to each automaker once production shortages in Japan show their effect in the upcoming months.

Toyota is under the impression they can take what they've seen on MTV, wrap it around a minivan and achieve instant cool. Still, it doesn't matter what cool shapes you carve them into or what super hero bowl you put them in, kids won't eat brussel sprouts. A minivan decked out like Snoop Dog's Impala is still, at the end of the day, a minivan -- but a stretched minivan? To the automaker, that idea seems worthy of a SEMA concept vehicle.

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Warranty

Recalls

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:10

Component

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Summary

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 VENZA AND SIENNA PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 7, THROUGH MARCH 10, 2011. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE FRONT, RIGHT, DRIVE SHAFT MAY BREAK DUE TO INSUFFICIENT HEAT TREATMENT.

Consequences

SHOULD THE DRIVE SHAFT BREAK DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, THE VEHICLE WILL LOSE POWER WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER WITHOUT WARNING MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVE SHAFT, AND, IF THE DRIVE SHAFT IS IDENTIFIED AS ONE THAT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN CORRECTLY MANUFACTURED, IT WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE AT NO CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Potential Units Affected

50

Notes

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:00

Component

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Summary

SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.

Consequences

A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.

Potential Units Affected

153,418

Notes

SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS, LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:01

Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

Summary

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SIENNA VEHICLES. THE BRAKE STOP LAMP SWITCH IS MOUNTED ON A SMALL BRACKET WELDED ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE SERVICE BRAKE PEDAL SUPPORT ASSEMBLY. DUE TO ITS PROXIMITY TO THE PARKING BRAKE PEDAL, IN LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES THE STOP LAMP SWITCH BRACKET COULD BE DAMAGED BY THE OPERATOR'S FOOT DURING PARKING BRAKE APPLICATION.

Consequences

THIS COULD RESULT IN BRAKE DRAG WITH ASSOCIATED BRAKE NOISE, VIBRATION, AND/OR ILLUMINATION OF THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT. BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS COULD BE REDUCED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRACKET ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. TOYOTA PLANS TO MAIL AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION IN THE MIDDLE OF JANUARY 2011, TO ADVISE OWNERS OF THE RECALL. A SECOND LETTER WILL BE MAILED WHEN PARTS ARE AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE REPAIRS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Potential Units Affected

94,126

Notes

TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:11

Component

STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Summary

SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010-2011 COROLLA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A NON-TOYOTA, BLUE TOOTH HANDS FREE DEVICE OR NAVIGATION UNIT AND CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 TOYOTA SIENNA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A NON-TOYOTA, OVERHEAD ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM AND/OR BLUETOOTH HANDS FREE DEVICE. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE FRONT A-PILLAR TRIM PANEL RETENTION CLIP MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE INSTALLATION OF THE AFTERMARKET ACCESSORY.

Consequences

A DAMAGED A-PILLAR TRIM PANEL RETENTION CLIP MAY ALLOW THE TRIM PANEL TO COME LOOSE AND INJURE AN OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE A-PILLAR TRIM PANEL RETENTION CLIP AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 30, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.

Potential Units Affected

518

Notes

SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS, LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:11

Component

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Summary

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 THROUGH 2012 SIENNA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 110, "TIRE SELECTIONS AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENT FOR DISPLAYING THE CORRECT VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT AS THE RATED LOAD FOR THE COMBINATION OF CARGO AND OCCUPANTS.

Consequences

INCORRECT INFORMATION ON THE VEHICLE PLACARD MAY LEAD TO TIRE OVERLOADING AND POSSIBLY CAUSE TIRE FAILURE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND WILL PROVIDE A REMEDY WHEN IT IS AVAILABLE. TOYOTA WILL MAIL OUT A CORRECTED PLACARD TO CUSTOMERS ALONG WITH REVISED OWNER MANUAL INFORMATION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 27, 2013. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Potential Units Affected

210,000

Notes

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:30

Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE

Summary

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Consequences

If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Remedy

Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Potential Units Affected

3,235

Notes

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:30

Component

SEATS

Summary

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.

Consequences

If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

Remedy

Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.

Remedy

Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Potential Units Affected

7,525

Notes

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:40

Component

TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE

Summary

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2004-2011 Sienna vehicles originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. The affected vehicles have a spare tire carrier assembly mounted under the vehicle whose attachment cable may corrode due to high concentrations of road salt splashing onto the spare tire carrier.

Consequences

If the carrier cable is corroded due to road salt, the spare tire may separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Toyota will send owners an interim notification to advise owners of the recall and dealers will remove the spare tire and relocate it to the luggage compartment, free of charge. Owners will be mailed a second letter when remedy parts are available and dealers will replace the spare tire carrier assembly with an improved one, free of charge. The recall began on July 7, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. NOTE: 2004-2010 Siennas subject to this recall were subject to recall campaign 10V-160 initiated in 2010. Those owners are advised that they must have their vehicles remedied again under this campaign and that having the earlier recall completed did not remedy their vehicles. Additionally, model year 1998-2003 Siennas were recalled as part of safety recall 10V-160. Owners of those vehicles that have not had not the remedy performed on their vehicles, should contact their Toyota dealer to schedule a free repair.

Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.

Remedy

SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.